Billy Graham Library to be dedicated

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Two former U.S. presidents will attended the dedication of the $27 million Billy Graham Library, which the facility's namesake also is expected to attend.

Former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush will speak at the May 31st dedication, said Graham's son, Franklin. In addition, Billy Graham, 88, expects to attend, but his level of participation depends largely on the Parkinson's disease that afflicts him, Franklin Graham told The Charlotte Observer on Monday.

"We haven't invited too many dignitaries simply because it would be too much pressure on my father to try to shake hands with all of them," said Franklin Graham, who heads the Charlotte based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. "They all want to come, especially the politicians _ this being an election season."

It's not clear whether Ruth Bell Graham, 86, will attend the dedication of her husband's library. She is bedridden in the Grahams' home in Montreat.

"My mother's health has deteriorated quite a bit since Thanksgiving," Franklin Graham said. "Thanksgiving, she was up, she sat for two or three hours around the Thanksgiving table with all the family. After that, it began to go downhill. Her mind's sharp, very sharp. But (she's) just weak."

Although Ruth Bell Graham has never visited the library, Billy Graham was last there about a month ago, their son said.

Franklin Graham said his father walks with the help of a walker and exercises every day on a treadmill. He does have trouble hearing, Franklin Graham said.

The library looks like a barn from the outside, a tribute to Graham's childhood years spent on a farm. A giant glass cross is built-in to the front of the building, which Graham estimates will attract 200,000 to 400,000 people annually.